Injured Nashua baby is improving as investigation continues

By Kimberly Houghton,Union Leader Correspondent

NASHUA - While city police continue to investigate how a 1-year-old child ended up in critical condition on Wednesday, authorities say the baby's health is improving and that the Division of Children Youth and Families is involved in the case.

"I do have an update, which is good news. The child's condition has been upgraded," said Lt. Francis Sullivan of the Nashua Police Department. "His condition was critical, and now it is stable, but guarded."

According to Sullivan, medical professionals at Elliot Hospital in Manchester are keeping a close watch on the 13-month-old boy who was initially taken to the emergency room at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua on Wednesday morning by a parent.

Although police are not elaborating on what type of injury or injuries the child has sustained, Sullivan said it was severe enough to warrant an investigation.

"I am not going to go into details about the child's injuries at this time. It is an open and active investigation," he said.

Sullivan would not elaborate on whether the injuries were old or new, nor would he comment on whether the baby's parents are cooperating with police.

The injuries reportedly occurred at an apartment at 54 Ash St. in Nashua. City assessing records indicate that the apartment building is owned by Jesus and Emerita Garcia.

Police say the case is still in the early stages, and that nothing has been ruled out as a possible cause of the child's condition -- including the possibility that his injuries may have been accidental.

However, Sullivan did confirm that DCYF has been involved in the matter since the start of the investigation. No other children are connected to the case, he added.

"It makes the investigation that much more difficult because the victim, who is a legitimate innocent victim and because of their age, cannot speak on their behalf. We have to speak for them," said Sullivan. "We are utilizing all of our resources, and detectives are working this case actively as we speak. There are a number of people we need to talk to."

Sullivan would not estimate when potential criminal charges - if any - could be brought against the person or people responsible for causing the child's injuries.

"The most important thing is that the child is doing much better," he said Friday afternoon.